Jaden Bradley’s INSANE Buzzer-Beater Sends Arizona to Big 12 Final — This season of college basketball has witnessed many spectacular matchups, but the game played between Arizona and Iowa State arguably turned out to be one of the most thrilling contests of all. A shot taken in the final seconds can completely rewrite the narrative of an entire match—and that is exactly what Jaden Bradley did. In this heart-stopping game, Bradley sank a shot just as the buzzer sounded, securing an 82-80 victory for Arizona and propelling the team straight into the Big 12 Championship game.
Bradley later revealed that when he released the ball, even he wasn’t sure whether or not the shot would go in. He didn’t even see the ball drop through the net, as the backboard lit up with a red glow at that very instant. It was only when his teammates mobbed him, jumping for joy and burying him beneath a celebratory pile of players, that he realized the shot had found its mark. Bradley smiled as he remarked that this is the kind of moment kids dream about while playing in their backyards—the countdown ticking down, and you sinking the game-winning shot in the final second.
Spectacular Performances from Both Teams in the Final Minutes
The closing stretch of the match was so fast-paced and exhilarating that the spectators barely had a moment to catch their breath. Together, both teams successfully converted 11 of their final 13 shots. Each shot seemed even more spectacular than the last. First, Arizona’s Ivan Kharchchenkov executed a brilliant turnaround jumper to give his team a five-point lead. Immediately thereafter, Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic responded with a three-pointer of his own.
What followed was nothing short of a barrage of three-point shots. Arizona’s Anthony Dell’Orso drained a three-pointer, only for Momcilovic to answer right back with another three-pointer. Dell’Orso then sank yet another three-pointer to reclaim the lead for his team. Throughout this entire sequence, the excitement among the spectators reached a fever pitch. Dell’Orso scored a total of 26 points in the match and landed a spectacular three-pointer six times. He later remarked that he felt as though he was completely wide open on every occasion, with his teammate Bradley delivering the ball to him at precisely the right moment.
Defense Holds Strong—Until the Final Minute
Interestingly, both teams are considered to possess some of the strongest defenses in college basketball. Yet, in the final four minutes of the match, neither team’s defense could contain their opponent. Almost every offensive possession resulted in a successful score. When Arizona retook the lead, Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson responded with a three-pointer of his own, bringing the contest back to near-parity.
There was a stretch where five consecutive three-pointers were drained, leaving the spectators in suspense, unsure of what the very next moment would bring. Amidst this flurry, Bradley missed a layup, but Tobe Awaka immediately followed up to dunk the ball, converting it into two points. At the other end of the court, Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas blocked a layup attempt by Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey. Nevertheless, Iowa State refused to give up, and Momcilovic sank yet another three-pointer.
A Last-Minute Tie—Followed by Bradley’s Brilliance
Tamin Lipsey’s performance in the final moments of the match also proved to be crucial. Although his shooting record throughout the game had not been particularly impressive, he tied the score on the final possession by sinking a magnificent three-pointer. This shot heightened the drama of the match, and all eyes were now fixed on the very last possession.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd did not call for a specific play at this juncture. His team operates on a core principle: “Figure It Out”—meaning, assess the situation and find a solution on your own. The coach placed his trust in his players and allowed them to make the decision. Bradley took control of the ball, found his favorite spot on the floor, and—despite facing tight defense—launched a spectacular shot.
The ball soared through the air, and just as the buzzer sounded, it dropped straight through the net. With this, Arizona secured an 82-80 victory.
A Celebration of Confidence and Victory
Following the match, Coach Tommy Lloyd remarked that his team frequently practices in situations where players are required to make decisions on their own. It is when players make the right choices under pressure that the team’s true character is revealed. He also emphasized the importance of celebrating this win, noting that playing in Iowa State’s home environment was no easy feat, and Arizona had to generate its own energy.
Jayden Bradley’s buzzer-beater was not merely a single shot; it was a testament to the team’s confidence, composure, and courage. It was precisely the kind of moment that players cherish for years—a moment when dreams turn into reality.
FAQs
Q. Who hit the game-winning shot for Arizona?
A. Jaden Bradley hit the buzzer-beater that secured Arizona’s 82–80 victory.
Q. Which teams played in this thrilling match?
A. The game was played between Arizona and Iowa State.
Q. What was the final score of the match?
A. Arizona defeated Iowa State with a score of 82–80.
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